thought i should add that ive always done babysitting or working in the schools im a liscesed cant spell tonight but im a subsitute teacher and educational assistant. and it isnt so much the pain meds but just having this much pain and being sick, and tired and still trying to work and have a normal life. How do you do it?

I don't know if I'm qualified to answer this question, but I thought I would tell you of my experience. I did work with CP for nearly 16 yrs. I worked full time in the court system which is a very fast and stressful job. When I look back on those years, it wasn't until the last 6 that my working life became a living hell and robbed me completely of my home life. I would be in such severe pain by the end of the day, that it was all I could do to get home and try to recoop somehow for the next day. Weekends were no different other than I had an extra day to recoop. I was on pain meds at the time, but nothing long acting. The last year it got so bad that I would hide in the court room or one of the empty offices when the pain got too unbearable. My dr tried to get me to quit a yr before I did and I wish I had listened to him.By pushing myself beyond what I could endure, I made my situation worse and created even more damage to my already damaged body. Just like everyone, I had to have the income, but in the end, I had to do without it just the same. If I could do it over again, I would opt for a part time job without question. It would have provided me income without destroying what was left of my physical health. Also there was the mental stress of having to call in sick to work or trying to hide my pain. I applied for and received disability so I have enough income now to live. However, at 22, you're looking at many years ahead of you with no employment. Of all the reasons, pro and con, to deciding whether or not to work, I say you have to consider your body and what you are actually capable of. It serves no purpose to get a job if you're fired 6 mos later for missing too much. Set realistic goals and go from there. Good luck!

i dont work. i babysit my friends kid and i go to school everyday. i get paid for both so it kinda like a job. i get up every morning and babysit from 7-12:30 then go to school from 1:30 till 3:00 then back to school from 4:00 till 8:00 so i have really busy days. it is like working so i guess i dont get that desire to work.

i work part-time in a lab, and take vicodin or wouldnt BE working. It is hard, esp, when you dont sleep much at night from pain and have to get up at 430am! Is there any kind of job you can do pt, where they dont drug screen?dont tell them you tak pain meds. Take care
Kim

I work as a secretary. Its great cause Its very low impact, I can take my meds cause all I'm basically doing is answering phones, I get benifits, and I can sit at my desk, without moving around, with my heating pad.

Yes, I've worked full time all my life. I had to work the pain around my job. Sometimes days were hell and sometimes I was high from the pain meds but I did what I had to do.

I carried my families insurance and my salary is what kept us alive, so it was all on me. You will get through this. I beleive if your on dr prescribed controlld subtances you will be alright because htey are verifiable.

Good Luck! i would be very careful divulging any pain info to potental employers incase they discriminate.